Will Geist Joining ‘Today’ for Nine O’Clock Hour

Willie Geist, who co-hosts MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” will join NBC’s “Today” as a co-host during the 9 o’clock hour, a person familiar with the situation told TheWrap.

Under the deal, Geist will also continue to serve as a backup for “Today” anchor Matt Lauer. The move also raises his profile as a possible replacement for Lauer, who recently signed a multi-year deal to remain at “Today.”

Geist will still appear on “Morning Joe,” in some capacity, most likely during the 6 a.m. hour. But he will exit the 5:30 a.m. newscast “Way Too Early,” The New York Times said.

During the 9 a.m. shift on “Today,” Geist will join Natalie Morales, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, who replaced Ann Curry as the 7 to 9 a.m. co-host in July.